Optimization of the application of cationic agent in the screen printing paste with reactive dye on cotton substrate

• Published in: Cellulose (London) 2024-02, Vol.31 (3), p.1909-1926
• Main Authors: Rainert, Karine Thaise, Herpich, Heiderose, Valle, Rita De Cássia Siqueira Curto, Valle, José Alexandre Borges
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioorganic Chemistry; Cations; Cellulose; Ceramics; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Color; Composites; Cotton; Dyes; Fluid penetrant testing; Glass; Natural Materials; Optimization; Organic Chemistry; Original Research; Pastes; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Screen printing; Shades; Sodium carbonate; Substrates; Sustainable Development; Ureas; Zeta potential
• ISSN: 0969-0239; 1572-882X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10570-023-05697-5

Reactive dyes stand out for their bright shades, excellent fastness properties, and soft touch in the screen-printing process with cellulose. However, reactive dyes have a low affinity for cellulose. Therefore, this study aimed to apply the cationic agent 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) in the preparation of the reactive dye solution red 245, to improve the conduction of the screen-printing process and the fixation of the dye to fiber. In this process, a Box-Behnken Design was used to investigate the effect on concentrations of cationic agent (40, 60, and 80 g/kg), urea (75, 100 and 125 g/kg), and sodium carbonate (20, 30, and 40 g/kg). The study analyzed the paste pH, viscosity, zeta potential, color intensity, % penetration of prints, and dye concentration in the washing baths after the printing process. The study determined that the optimal levels for these factors were 60 g/L for the cationic agent, 100 g/L for urea, and 30 g/L for sodium carbonate. The optimization of the printing paste proved to be a great alternative to help in the color yield and penetration percentage of the prints, minimizing the use of urea, alkali, and cationic agents in the printing pastes. Graphical abstract